Australia’s Steven Bowditch has ended an 11-year, 110 PGA Tour event victory drought to capture the Valero Texas Open, and also earn a first-ever invitation into next fortnight’s Masters.

The 30-year old Australian but now Dallas-based Bowditch withstood all that was thrown at him over the final day to post a 76 and win by a shot with a eight under par tally

Bowditch becomes the third Australian in the past six events to claim victory on golf’s greatest stage, and that could have easily been four from six had reigning Masters champion Adam Scott hung off for success last week in Bay Hill.

He also is the fourth Australian to win the Valero Texas Open after Adam Scott (2010), Bruce Crampton (1964) and Joe Kirkwood (1924)

“I’ve got a great supporting team,” Bowditch said. “I drew on some of my experience and got some advice from different people.”

Bowditch, who continues to deal with depression, went into the final round with a three-shot lead and, with the course playing very tough, he was able to get away with making a double bogey on the fourth hole and four bogeys, including one on the last hole when he missed a one metre putt.

“Every time I got out of check, looking ahead to the Masters and winning golf events and making my speeches before I was finished, I had to pull myself in check every time,” said Bowditch.

“And it happened a lot today.”